Acid reflux is a common experience among many Filipinos, with a 2023 report identifying it among the top three digestive concerns for Filipinas. As early as 2014, the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG) even made treatment guidelines for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to its growing prevalence in the country.
Despite acid reflux becoming a pervasive health condition among Filipinos, there may be long-term health risks if it is not monitored and addressed. Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks of acid reflux to health.
What is acid reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid goes up to your esophagus. This happens when a valve at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), weakens or loosens, letting acid enter the esophagus from the stomach. It is often triggered by certain foods and beverages (i.e., fatty or spicy foods, coffee), pregnancy, and even stress.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Acid reflux often results in the following experiences:
- Heartburn, or a burning feeling in the stomach, that may go up to your chest, neck, or throat
- Sour or bitter taste at the back of the mouth
- Lump in the throat
When acid reflux becomes recurring, the condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Can recurring acid reflux be dangerous?
While the stomach is built to endure stomach acid, other organs are not. The persistent occurrence of acid reflux for some may result in complications, some of which can be serious. Chronic acid reflux may lead to the following conditions:
- Esophagitis –The inflammation of the lining in the esophagus. When this persists, it may cause scarring, chronic pain, and other complications.
- Esophageal stricture – The abnormal tightening of the esophagus, which often leads to trouble or pain when swallowing. This makes it difficult to swallow food and even drink liquids.
- Esophageal cancer – individuals who experience GERD have a slightly higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Symptoms include trouble swallowing, intense heartburn and/or indigestion, chest pain, and weight loss, which are commonly experienced when the cancer has progressed into its later stages.
- Esophageal ulcer – This is a type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the lining of the esophagus, often caused by GERD, severe esophagitis, among other causes. When left untreated, this may cause bleeding, esophageal stricture, and other serious conditions.
- Asthma – In some cases, GERD may cause acid to irritate the airways to the lungs. This can result in difficulty breathing. Sometimes, it may make the lungs more sensitive to substances that can irritate it, like dust or pollen, and consequently trigger asthma.
What can I do for my acid reflux?
Acid reflux may be addressed by making adjustments in your lifestyle. Altering eating habits and avoiding greasy, fatty foods may help lessen the risk of experiencing acid reflux. Limiting intake of alcohol and caffeine may also help. Elevating your head when sleeping may decrease the risk of acid rising up, especially when you are more prone to experiencing acid reflux at night.
Other than lifestyle changes, there are certain medications that may also help address symptoms of acid reflux, such as antacids, H2 blockers, a combination of both, or proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
Chronic acid reflux may lead to health complications, but they can be prevented with healthy lifestyle habits and proper diet. Reach out to your doctor to help you identify the right type of care for your acid reflux.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/untreated-heartburn
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-acid-reflux-kill-you
https://business.inquirer.net/177643/gerd-treatment-guidelines-developed-for-filipino-physicians
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542209/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470400/
https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/asthma#Why-GERD-may-trigger-asthma
